Author: cmcantrell

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Longmont

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Longmont

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 13 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 1934 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Details

    The application deadline is April 26, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 9 business days.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Louisville and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,944 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is May 10, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 30 business days.

    How to Participate

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 62% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,367 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    Funding of $467,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $115,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Louisville Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Louisville Area

    The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the 2026 Boulder County budget totaling $745 million. Key investments include $42 million for affordable housing initiatives, $28 million for transportation infrastructure, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and climate resilience programs.

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 24% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,498 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    The application deadline is June 2, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 30 business days.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-2341 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    How to Participate

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Funding of $280,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — December 2025

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — December 2025

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 62% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 62% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-1272 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 709 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 1829 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Details

    For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4869 or email Resource [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 73% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Resources

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — April 2026

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — April 2026

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Public Health processed over 9,977 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 39% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Longmont and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Timeline

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Public Health: (303) 441-5322 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 2,201 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2000 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 5,389 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Parks & Open Space, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% of properties in the Gunbarrel area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Public Works: (303) 441-9624 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 1927 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,992 affordable housing units since its inception, with 94 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2053 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Resources

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 149 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Funding of $236,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Gunbarrel area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    How to Participate

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $98,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 222 affordable housing units since its inception, with 136 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 56% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.